Proceedings against Anesia Baptiste stayed

No further disciplinary action will be taken against Anesia Baptiste until the completion of an application made by Baptiste’s counsel before the High Court.{{more}}

This was the order given by High Court Judge Justice Bruce-Lyle when Baptiste and her counsel as well as the opposing side appeared in court on Friday, May 7 2010. Baptiste’s counsel made an application to have all proceedings against her stayed.

The appearance at court was to hear a constitutional motion filed by Baptiste’s counsel in regard to her suspension on half pay by the Public Service Commission following the sixteen charges of misconduct laid against her earlier this year.

Baptiste, who holds the post of Communications Manager in the Ministry of Tourism, had charges brought against her following statements she published in support of the Vote No campaign during the referendum.

Speaking to the media outside the court after the hearing, Baptiste’s counsel Keith Scotland expressed that his client proceeded with filing the motion as she felt “dissatisfied and is of the opinion that the enshrined constitutional right of freedom of expression is being unlawfully infringed.”

Lawyers Maia Eustace and Bertram Commissiong QC also represented Baptiste, while Grahame Bollers, Anthony Astaphan SC and Rochelle Forde represent the crown.

The case was adjourned to June 17, 2010. (OS)